Sterling. Forgive me, I didn't mean to say that.
Blanche. Oh, who are you! What are you! You are not the man I thought when I married you! Every day something new happens to frighten me, to threaten my love for you!
Sterling. No, no, don't say that, old girl.
[He tries to take her hand.
Blanche. What right have you to criticise my father, to curse him—and to-day!
Sterling. I don't know what I'm saying, Blanche. Try to forgive me. I wouldn't have thought of such a thing as his money to-day if it wasn't the only thing that can save me from—disgrace.
[His voice sinking almost to a whisper and the man himself sinking into a chair.
Blanche. Disgrace! How? What disgrace?
[Going to him.
Sterling. I can't explain it; you wouldn't understand.